Idyllic Coasts: Three Relaxing Beaches on the Chiapas Pacific
Chiapas harbors coastal gems that still retain their natural essence, their own rhythm and a human warmth that embraces newcomers.
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Here, amidst coconut groves, estuaries and soft sand, three attractions await where the sea and land harmoniously meet.
Centro Ecoturístico El Madresal, Where Sleep Comes Easily by the Sea
※ This is a place for tourists who enjoy taking it easy, as well as being able to tour the flora and fauna in the coastal mangrove zone of the Soconusco region, a refuge for birds and mammals. A sustainable ecotourism center, its services rely on clean energies and activities are coordinated through a quality management system to ensure full visitor satisfaction and conservation of the wetlands that form a major ecosystem in this coastal strip of the state.
※ The center has comfortable ecological cabins and offers beach activities, a natural estuary and a fishing area. The restaurant, covered by a woven palm palapa ceiling, serves local traditionally prepared seafood. Furthermore, the company has earned tourism quality certification.
How to Get There? 𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪
▌It is located 28 mi from the city of Tonalá. On the Tonalá-Puerto Arista road, take the turnoff to Cabeza de Toro, and follow the signage to the community Ponte Duro or Manuel Ávila Camacho, where you enter by one of the first streets on the right. Go to the wharf, where there are boats to take you on the estuary to the tourism center.
Playa Linda, Tapachula’s Hidden Charm
※ Farther south, near the Guatemala border, is Linda Beach, one of the most laid-back in the state. Surrounded by mangroves and palm trees, the atmosphere of this dark-sand beach can be described as intimate. It is not a touristy beach in the conventional sense, which is precisely what makes it special: you won’t find crowds or big hotels, just simple cabins, fresh seafood and unfiltered sunsets.
This is the place for anyone seeking serenity, nature photography or a genuine encounter with the Chiapas coast.
How to Get There? 𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪
▌It is just 30 minutes from Tapachula; take the road toward Puerto Chiapas, and follow the signs to Playa Linda. Collective cabs also go there from downtown Tapachula.
Puerto Arista, the Most Popular Beach in Chiapas
※ If you’re in the mood for good local vibe, seafood meals by the sea and walks on the sand, Puerto Arista is for you. The most popular beach in Chiapas, it is also in the municipality of Tonalá. Its broad, 20-mi-long strip of golden sand, big surfing waves and assortment of restaurants with woven palm palapa ceilings make it a coastal classic in the state.
※ The family atmosphere combines with that of regional tourism, especially on weekends, where you can do sport fishing, swimming and boating to take in the beauty of the surroundings, in addition to riding a four-wheeler and camping. During marine turtle release season, you can participate in conservation activities and observe how these little travelers return to the sea, an event you won’t easily forget.
How to Get There? 𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪𝄪
▌If you go by car from Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the trip takes about 3 hours. Take highway 190 toward Arriaga on toll road 190. As you approach the coast, you will get to Tonalá and quickly find the turnoff to Puerto Arista. If you come from Tapachula, you can get to Tonalá on the coastal road and then head toward Puerto Arista.
Chiapas beaches have their own true beauty; far from looking like touched up picture postcards, they are living spaces where nature still sets the pace and where flavors, landscapes and histories are deeply rooted.
▌El Madresal, Playa Linda and Puerto Arista are three very different coastal options: one calmer, another more tucked away and a much livelier one. But they all have something in common: they are gateways to a still fairly untouched Pacific.
